KALAMAZOO, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – Western Michigan University will have a new men’s head basketball coach next season.
The university issued a statement on Monday which announced that Head Coach Clayton Bates was stepping down.
W.M.U. Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae stated, “Coach Bates has been a stabilizing and loyal member of the Bronco basketball family over several years. He has been a great teammate during my first two months on campus and is a genuine leader who is student-athlete centered. However, in assessing our performance in recent years, we agreed a change in leadership is necessary to elevate this program towards a level of comprehensive excellence that includes competing at the highest levels of the MAC. We thank Clayton and his family and wish all the best in their future endeavors. The young men in our men’s basketball program are fantastic and we will continue to support them as we look for a new leader of our program.”
Bates was named the 14th head coach of the Bronco men’s basketball team in March of 2020, after serving as an assistant coach, and later as an associate head coach under Steve Hawkins.
Hawkins was fired by WMU after being the head coach for 17 years. The COVID-19 pandemic led the university to issue an outside hiring freeze due to uncertain finances caused by the virus which led to Bates being promoted to head coach.
The Broncos finished 5-16 overall in 2020-21, with a 4-12 Mid-American Conference record. This past season, the Broncos compiled a record of 8-23, 4-16 in the MAC.
Bates said, “These past two years as the head coach of the Broncos have been a special experience for my family and me. My most sincere appreciation to all members of the Western Michigan University Athletic Department for their efforts and hard work on behalf of the men’s basketball program. Thank you to our loyal dedicated coaching and support staff, who worked tirelessly to help the young men in our program grow and develop, both on and off the court. Most importantly, thank you to the student-athletes. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a member of your team. We wanted every day we took the court to be the best two hours of our day. It always was for me, and I am grateful for our time together. Thank you for giving your very best. Bronco Basketball is positioned for great success in the coming years.”
Bartholomae says the university will immediately begin a national search for the next leader of the men’s basketball program.
